Question: My husband and I have micromanaged, spoiled and enabled our 21-year-old son all his life. We paid a heavy price during his teen years. At this point, he is arrogant, immature and irresponsible.

For example, he recently went online and posted a vile comment about a former girlfriend.

When we confronted him about it, he told us she deserved it. We realize the error of our ways, but our need to protect him from the consequences of his impulsivity and irresponsibility is so strong that we can’t seem to break the habit.

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I’m probably going to upset the apple cart with this, but I’m not much of an “Oprah disciple.” Then again, I’m just not much for TV talk show hosts. Maybe it’s all gotten a little too sensational for me. Whatever the case, I tend to shy away from those TV folks trying to give me advice and tell me how to live my life. I figure I have better resources right here if and when I need them.

When I was in primary school, my family and I lived in Midland, Texas.

I had great teachers in my early years there. My second grade teacher was Mrs. Friemel, and I have many great memories of her. One thing that stands out to me even today is that she taught us about the importance of healthy eating during our science/health lesson. One particular lesson was called “You Are What You Eat.”

There was a song that went with it, which I cannot seem to remember, but the lesson itself has stuck with me all through the years.

Question: I am getting close to retirement. Because of my experience with my parents, I am worried about what will happen to our finances if my husband or I should come down with Alzheimer’s. What can we realistically do to prepare for that?

Answer: Any number of things could cause you or your spouse to become incapable of handling your own medical or financial affairs.